Hi, everyone,

A new chapter is up! ^^ I hope you like it!

This chapter was edited only by Grammarly. Please, excuse my mistakes.

Your votes, comments and reviews are always welcomed and appreciated.

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Kongphop was discharged from the hospital the following Monday. However, it wasn't Arthit who drove him home. Kongphop had arranged for Em to be the one who picked him up from the hospital, despite Arthit's many and loud objections. The younger man didn't want his boyfriend to raise many questions, especially about Kongphop's intended visit to his father's company after he left the hospital.

"The company?" Em asked in surprise as the two sat in the car. "Aren't you supposed to rest? I hardly think that Uncle would want you to go to work the moment you're discharged from the hospital. Besides, haven't you stopped going to the company since you started taking care of P'Arthit?"

"I'm not going to work," Kongphop replied, annoyed with his friend's many questions. "There is something I need to settle with Dad before I return home."

"But won't P'Arthit be waiting for you?" Em asked again. "He will be worried if we're late."

"It won't take that long," Kongphop replied. "I need to discuss a crucial matter with Father as soon as possible. Once I'm done, we'll go home."

"Alright!" Em said with a shrug before he started the car.

}{ }{ }{ }{ }{

"Mr Suthiluck, your son, Mr Kongphop, wishes to enter," the voice of Kerkkrai's head secretary came through the speaker. "Shall I allow him in?"

Kongphop?!

Kerkkrai frowned deeply. He knew that his son was to be discharged today, but Kongphop had insisted that his father wouldn't come to the hospital, saying that he was going to his boyfriend's house.

So why was he here?

"Let him in," Kerkkrai said to the secretary before he stepped out from behind his desk.

"Kong, what's wrong?" he asked worriedly as soon as his son entered the office. "I thought that you're going to Mr Arthit's house after your discharge."

"I have something that I need to discuss it with you, Dad," Kongphop said. "I didn't want P'Arthit to know, for the time being, that's why I asked Em to pick me from the hospital."

Kerkkrai frowned but gestured to his son to have a seat.

"What's the matter?" the older Suthiluck asked as they made themselves comfortable in the office's sitting area.

Kongphop looked at his father with hesitation before he took a deep breath and spoke. "Dad, there is no easy way to say this and I'm sorry for being so audacious, but the truth is I've been overthinking about this matter and couldn't find any other solution. It's for the benefit of everyone involved."—he took another deep breath— "Dad, if you please, I need you to give me my inheritance."

Kerkkrai stared at his son with a puzzled expression, not understanding what his son was trying to say.

"What?" he asked.

"Dad, I know that you want me to take charge of the company eventually and you had given me the lion share of your fortune in your will," Kongphop said with definite uneasiness and reluctance. "But I don't need all of this. I only need a portion of the money, and I'm ready to sign a legal letter, waiving all my right to your inheritance."

"Kongphop, what are you talking about? Why all this?" Kerkkrai exclaimed angrily. It was upsetting to hear his son talking as if he was a beggar asking for alms. "This company and my fortune will belong to you in the end!"

"No, Father. This company is yours," Kongphop said, shaking his head. "Mother, my sisters and their children also have a right to it. I only need good capital to start my own company and buy a small house in a decent neighbourhood for P'Arthit and me. I think this is the only solution that would enable me to remain in good terms with the rest of the family and still be with P'Arthit." —Kongphop sighed as he ran his left hand through his hair— "Besides, I'm certain that it won't be long before P'Arthit would want to return to work. When that happens, I want him to work where I can keep an eye on him. And after what happened, I doubt that he would consider working here."

"Kongphop, your relationship has nothing to do with your position in this company or our family. I—"

"Dad, please!" Kongphop interrupted. "You have heard Mom and P'Aat in more than one occasion accusing P'Arthit of trying to take advantage of our family's wealth and status. I don't want my own family to be a threat to my relationship with P'Arthit. If I became independent, then I would owe no one anything. I'll be free to live the rest of my life with the person I love."

Kerkkrai stared at his son with an unreadable expression. He couldn't believe what he was hearing, but at the same time, he could understand his son's point of view and motive. Still, the older Suthiluck searched his brain, trying to find a way to change his son's mind; nonetheless, Kongphop looked serious about his request.

"Is there anything I can do to change your mind?" The older man asked at last with a defeated sigh.

Kongphop shook his head. "Don't fear, Dad. Even though I'm leaving the company," he said. "I'll be available to help you in any way I can. I'm not leaving this family or forsaking my duties as a filial son. I think this solution will put everyone at ease."

"But—"

"Please, Dad," Kongphop interrupted again. "I have decided. Nothing you say can change my mind. But if you are unwilling to give me the capital I need—"

"Kong!" Kerkkrai exclaimed, cutting off his son before he said something regretful. "As I said, this is your money. You have every right to ask for it!"—he sighed deeply— "Alright. Give me a couple of days to arrange everything with my lawyer, and I'll call you to sign the needed documents."

"Thank you, Dad." Standing up, Kongphop bid goodbye to his father before leaving the office.

Kerkkrai sat in his place for a couple of minutes without moving a muscle before he picked up his phone and called his best friend and personal lawyer.

}{ }{ }{ }{ }{

Kongphop let out a soft groan as he laid on the bed, after lunch. This morning's little errand had drained most of his energy, and the rest was quickly depleted during a tensed lunch with Phet and Arthit. Due to their short detour and then traffic, it took Em and him more time than necessary to reach Arthit's house. The older man gave him a sceptical glance when he blamed the delay on traffic alone, but thankfully, Arthit didn't press the matter at the time. Phet, then, crudely invited them to lunch which sounded more like an order than an invitation.

Kongphop chuckled upon remembering Em's frightful expression during the meal. His friend's face reminded him of their university days when Arthit and his friends hazed them. His friend even remarked as he saw him off that Arthit must have learned his hazing skills from his father.

Kongphop's eyes fell on his boyfriend who stood by the room's entrance, staring at him with an unreadable expression. Kongphop frowned, noticing the troubled look in his boyfriend's beautiful eyes. The older man looked as if he was about to faint.

"What's wrong, P'?" he asked, snapping Arthit from his thoughts. "Why are you standing there?."

Arthit looked hesitant for a second before he silently walked in and sat on the edge of the bed. He stared into space ahead of him with a sombre expression.

The fact was this was the first time Arthit entered his bedroom since the attack. In the couple of nights he had spent at home, he had slept in his parents' room with his father like a scared little kid because he was afraid to enter his bedroom. It would probably seem childish to others, but shadows of what happened never stopped replaying in front of his eyes. Even as he sat with his boyfriend now, the older man could see what happened vividly in front of his eyes. Arthit closed his eyes and took a deep breath, trying to calm himself.

Kongphop watched with worry his boyfriend who seemed as if he was fighting a horde of demons inside his mind. Siriporn had complained that Arthit had refused to discuss the attack with her, no matter how much she nagged. The younger man let out a deep sigh. He was sure that his boyfriend was trying to suppress the fears he had stubbornly refused to face since the attack. Kongphop slowly rose into a sitting position and reached his left hand to hold his boyfriend's.

"P'," he spoke softly. "It's alright to be afraid. What happened wasn't something that could be easily forgotten. But you don't have to fight alone. Your father, P'Siri, P'Knott and I are here to offer our help. No one would think any less of you if you leaned on us for comfort."

Arthit looked at Kongphop with eyes full of unshed tears. Once more, his boyfriend had seen right through him and read his mind correctly. Averting his gaze, the older man raised his free hand and pointed at a spot in front of them.

"You were laying here when you were shot," he said with a shaky voice. "I can see you now laying, covered in blood."—he shook his head as tears slid down his cheeks— "I can still hear that man's disgusting taunting voice as he claimed that I was his and no one would save me from him, resonating inside my ears. I haven't—this is the first time that I've entered my room since the attack," he admitted. "I was afraid to face what happened. I'm such a coward."

"You're not a coward at all, P'," Kongphop said as he gently pulled Arthit to his chest. "You are braver than you give yourself credit and I'm very proud of you. Besides, a little birdie told me that you'd delivered a hard kick to that bastard's groin!"

"Oi!" Arthit exclaimed as he pushed his boyfriend away; a rosy blush tainted his cheeks as he glared at Kongphop's cheeky expression.

Laughing, Kongphop pulled the older man back to his embrace.

Arthit closed his eyes as he was pulled back and his head was pressed against Kongphop's chest. Listening to the younger man's steady heartbeats, Arthit felt all his fears being chased away as his boyfriend's warmth surrounded him. A soft sigh escaped his mouth as his entire body gradually relaxed. He didn't want to be deprived of this peaceful feeling as long as he lived in this world.

Kongphop smiled as he felt the tensed body under his arms slowly relax, and the other man's breathing became regular once more. He knew that they had to talk about what happened and about his plans regarding their future, but all this could be dealt with later when his boyfriend wasn't fighting his fears. For now, they should simply relax and enjoy each other's presence.

A few moments later, Phet entered the room to check on Arthit, only to find his son nestled securely in his boyfriend's arms as the two slept. Despite himself, the corner of his mouth tugged upwards in a ghost smile before he left the room.

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Two days later, Kerkkrai notified his son that the required documents were ready to be signed. Kongphop once again asked Em to take him to the company. He had decided not to tell Arthit about his decision until he signed the papers and received the money in fear that the older man would manage to talk him out of it. Plus, Kongphop needed to inform Phet of his plans regarding his relationship with Arthit.

When Kongphop entered his father's office, he found his father's lawyer and friend Mr Sitwat waiting for him as well.

After exchanging greetings, the three men sat in the small sitting area.

"Kong, are you sure about your decision?" His father asked as Mr Sitwat put a pile of papers on the small coffee table. "Are you certain that you want to leave the company to start your own?"

"Yes, Dad," Kongphop said confidently. "I'm very certain."

Kerkkrai sighed before he looked at his friend and nodded his head.

"Will you be able to sign, Kong?" Mr Sitwat asked in a friendly tone as he opened a stack of papers to the last page where Kongphop must sign and presented the paper to him with a pen

"Yes," Kongphop replied with a smile before he picked up the offered pen and signed at the end of the paper.

"And this one, please?" Mr Sitwat said as he presented another set of papers for Kongphop to sign.

Kongphop had to sign six different documents before Mr Sitwat stated that everything was in order.

"Here you are, Kong," Kerkkrai handed his son an envelope. "Inside this envelope, there a bank card. I've deposited ฿100 million in it."

"100 million? Isn't that too much, Dad?" Kongphop asked.

"Nonsense," his father said. "Your share in the company alone would've been more than this, Kong."

"But—"

"No buts," Kerkkrai said. "And your house is on me. I will find you a suitable villa in a good neighbourhood for you and your boyfriend."

"But—"

"I said no buts!"

"Just let him do whatever he wants, Kong," Sitwat intervened. "He feels that he had failed you; this is his way to compensate."

"You never failed me, Dad," Kongphop said as he waied at his father. "I thank you very much."

Kerkkrai smiled warmly at his son in response.

"Well, I better go clear my desk," Kongphop said as he stood up.

"Wait! I'll call a janitor to help you," his father said.

"No need, Dad. Em is with me. He'll help. I'll ask for someone to carry my stuff to the car when we're done packing." With that, Kongphop bid the two men goodbye and left.

As soon as the door was closed behind his son, Kerkkrai let out a long sigh. "Did I do the right thing?" he asked himself out loud.

"Yes, you did, and you know it," Sitwat replied, although he knew that it was a rhetorical question.

"I don't want to wrong any of my children," Kerkkrai told his friend.

Sitwat pressed his lips into a thin line. "You haven't wronged anyone. Trust me," he reassured.

"Tay, no one should know about the contents of these papers until it's time to reveal them," Kerkkrai warned. "Absolutely no one should know about their very existence."

"Don't worry," Sitwat said as he took all the papers and put them inside an envelope. "I'll put them in my private vault as soon as I get to my office. Did you sign the new will?"

Kerkkrai nodded. "I'll give it to you now to put it with the rest of the papers."

Sitwat nodded in response.

}{ }{ }{ }{ }{

"When I agreed to drive you here, I didn't know that I have to work as well!" Em complained as he shoved some picture frames into the empty box.

"Hey, be careful! Don't break anything," Kongphop warned as he checked the various drawers in the cabinet. "Besides, I can't possibly pack all my things by myself with an injured arm."

"Why are you packing, anyway?" Em asked. "Did your father fire you for skipping work?"

"No, I left the company," Kongphop replied casually.

"What?" Em halted as he stared at his friend with utter shock. "Why? Have you lost your mind?"

"It's a long story," Kongphop replied as he continued to clear the drawer. "I'll tell it to you later. Now, let's finish packing. I want to be home before lunch."

Em gave his friend a disapproving look before he resumed packing. Recently, many mysterious and strange things had been happening to his friend that didn't make any sense. It started with Kongphop's sudden breakup with their senior even though his friend was still deeply in love with his boyfriend, and reached to his friend being shot and resigned from his father's company. Kongphop had explained to him, and the rest of their friends that he was shot when he intercepted a thief in Arthit's house, but Em and the rest of the boys didn't believe it. Wad had told them once that Kongphop had discovered a wanted criminal among the workforce in Siam Polimer's warehouses, so Em and the others suspected that the man had broken into the house to take revenge on Kongphop.

Em stole another glance at his friend, wondering what Kongphop was hiding from him. The two worked for some time in complete silence before suddenly someone knocked on the door and entered without waiting for permission.

"So it's true!" Aat exclaimed as he entered Kongphop's office and saw his brother-in-law packing his things. "You're really leaving the company?"

"Yes, P'," Kongphop replied calmly. "I've decided that working here isn't appealing to me. I'm going to open my own business."

"Kong, have you lost your mind?" Aat asked. "You're leaving your high position in a well-established company to open a new business that has no guarantees whatsoever!"

"At least it would put your mind at ease," Kongphop remarked coldly. "and you would stop worrying about who would enter the villa as my spouse."

"Kongphop!" Aat yelled, glaring at the younger man. His brother-in-law had never talked to him with such disrespect and rudeness before, especially in front of outsiders!

"What?" Kongphop asked as if nothing was wrong. "Isn't that true? Now that I'm leaving the company, you can rest assured that no gold-digger would steal your wife and children's money."

Aat scoffed upon hearing this and shook his head. "I can't imagine how that man had managed to control you to the extent of making you leaving your family's company for his sake!"

Em frowned upon hearing this. His senior might be scary and hot-tempered most of the time, but he wasn't this sort of person. He looked at his friend, wondering if that was the reason behind his breakup with his boyfriend two years ago. Meanwhile, Kongphop glared at his brother-in-law, trying to hold his temper in check. The last thing he wanted was to cause a scene in front of the company's employees.

"Does your mother know that you're leaving the company?" Aat asked, mindless of the murderous glares Kongphop was shooting him. "How would she feel when she learns about this?"

"You are free to go and tell her, P'," Kongphop said. "But put in mind one thing, I'm leaving this company to put an end to the destructive war you and Mother are leading against P'Arthit. This is the results of your actions."

Aat stared at Kongphop with resentment before he turned around and left without a word.

A heavy silence shrouded the office for several long moments before Kongphop snapped out of his thoughts and resumed his packing. Letting out a deep sigh, Em followed suit.

}{ }{ }{ }{ }{

Arthit frowned when Kongphop entered the house around lunchtime with Em tagging along behind him. There was something in their sombre expressions that he didn't like.

"Did something wrong happened?" he asked as the two joined him on the couches in the living room.

"Nothing wrong, P'," Kongphop replied almost immediately. "It's just that Father had some urgent matter in the company that needed my presence. It was quite serious, but I managed to solve it."

It took all of Em's willpower to stop himself from rolling his eyes at his friend's blatant lie. On the way to the storage warehouses service where they had stored Kongphop's things from the office, Em tried to question Kongphop on the matter, but as usual, his stubborn friend refused to answer. Instead, he asked him to gather their friends during the weekend at 'FIN JUNG' for an important announcement.

Em had half a mind to tell Arthit about what happened in the office, but then he decided that his life was more worth than getting back at Kongphop, so he remained silent.

Arthit gave his boyfriend a disbelieving glance but didn't comment. He would think of a way to get the truth from either Kongphop or Em later on. He wasn't in the mood to pry anyhow.

"Well, I'm going to change before lunch," Kongphop said, breaking the heavy silence that hovered over them before he stood up.

"Ok," Arthit said passively as he stood up as well. "Make yourself comfortable, Em." With that, he followed his boyfriend upstairs.

}{ }{ }{ }{ }{

"Kongphop, are you hiding something from me?" Arthit asked as soon as the two were in his bedroom.

"What would I be hiding, P'?"

"I don't know. You tell me. Your eyes say that you're hiding a crucial matter from me!"

Kongphop sighed. He couldn't tell his P' just yet, not before he talked to Phet first. He was going to show the old detective that he was serious about doing anything to protect his boyfriend. But, said boyfriend was demanding to know what he was hiding from him. When did the older man become so expert in reading him?

"Ok, I am hiding something," he admitted. "But I can't tell you now. I have to speak to your father first."

"So you can tell my father, but you can't tell me?" Arthit let out a soft scoff.

Kongphop smiled, thinking that his boyfriend looked sinfully cute.

"I can tell you and I will but not before I speak with your father," he said. "Please, P'. I promise that I will tell you everything today after dinner."

"Why not after lunch?"

"Because I'll be talking with your father after lunch," Kongphop reasoned, feeling that he was speaking to a 5-year-old instead of a 27-year-old man.

"Why do you have to talk with my father first?" Arthit asked sorely. "Why don't you tell us together at the same time?"

"No, I have to speak with your father at first alone," Kongphop said. "Then your turn will come afterwards."

Arthit glared at the younger man, hoping that he would reconsider his decision but Kongphop merely smiled innocently at him.

"What is between you and my father?"

"You will know everything after dinner."

Arthit pouted at his boyfriend before he nodded his head. "Fine," he said sulkily, raising a warning finger in the other man's face. "But I will kick you out of the house if you didn't tell me after dinner," he warned, gaining a burst of laughter from the other man.

"I promise! Now, help me change?" He said as he blinked adorably at his boyfriend with his signature puppy expression.

}{ }{ }{ }{ }{

Kongphop placed the bank card on the small table between him and Phet as the two sat in front of the large desk in Phet's study after lunch.

"What is this?" the detective asked.

"My inheritance," Kongphop replied. "I've left my father's company and asked him to give me my inheritance upfront because I want to open my own business and be independent of my family's influence."

Phet stared at the younger man with a shocked expression for a few moments, unable to believe what he had heard. His eyes moved down and stared at the card before he looked up again and let out a sigh.

"This isn't what I meant when I spoke to you in the hospital! I didn't mean that you should leave your family," he said, feeling responsible for Kongphop's drastic decision. "I meant—"

"I understood perfectly what you meant, Sir," Kongphop interrupted softly. "But this is the only solution that I could think of to protect P'Arthit." —Kongphop ran his hand through his hair anxiously— "Since I knew of my mother's involvement in P'Arthit's assault, I've been thinking of where I had failed and how I could've protected him. Many factors were interlaced and resulted in what happened, but the major factor was linked to my future as an heir to my father's company. So, after too much thinking, I decided that this is the only way that I can be with P'Arthit and not lose my family at the same time. I have not left my family, Sir, but I asked my father to give my inheritance and emit me from his will so I can keep P'Arthit away from any struggle over my dad's fortune. I figured that if I'm financially independent of my father, no one will be able to pressure me into leaving P'Arthit."

Phet looked into Kongphop's eyes, admiring the man's determination and sacrifice. He hadn't expected the man to take such a massive leap so he could stay by Arthit's side, nor he had expected that Kongphop would even consider such an option. This young man sitting in front of him was indeed brave and unique. The detective wondered how Kongphop's family would react to this.

"Do the rest of your family know about your decision?" he asked.

"Not yet," Kongphop replied. "But I imagine that my dad will have to tell them. And my eldest brother-in-law already knows, so it won't be long before the rest of my family learn about this."

"How do you think they will react?"

Kongphop shook his head. "I'm not sure," he said. "I think they will feel as if I have left them at the beginning. But I will continue to fulfil my duties as a son of the Suthiluck family regardless."

Phet seemed to think for several minutes before he looked up at Kongphop.

"Does Arthit know?"

"Not yet," Kongphop replied. "I promised that I would tell him tonight after I tell you. I'm not sure of his reaction, but I will do my best to persuade him that this is for the best."

Phet let out a deep sigh. "Listen to me carefully, Kongphop," he said in an uncharacteristically warm tone. "I certainly admire your courage in taking such a step, although, I don't agree with you. I'm also a father, and I know that this must've hurt your father a lot. But in the end, this is your life, and it's up to you to do whatever you want. As for Arthit, my only concern is his safety, well-being and happiness. I know that you are a man of your word and would do anything to ensure that he's safe and happy. I won't stop in your way if he agrees to what you have in mind. Just remember that you two don't have to face any trouble by yourselves. I'm sure your father will agree with me if I say that you two have him and me if you needed any help."

Kongphop stared at the detective with extreme astonishment. He might be wrong in his assumption, but it sounded that Phet was giving him his blessings. The young man blinked several times before he shook his head.

"Um, thank you, Sir," he managed to utter with much difficulty. "I'll remember that."

Phet let out a soft chuckle at Kongphop's expression. "You can call me Uncle if you want," he said.

"Thank you, Uncle," Kongphop said as his face broke into a brilliant smile.

Phet had indeed accepted him at last!

}{ }{ }{ }{ }{

Arthit sat by himself on the swing in the small garden of his house after dinner, lost in deep thoughts. After Kongphop and his father had their talk after lunch, they seemed to be behaving strangely. His father, for one, seemed to have cozied up to Kongphop and wasn't treating him coldly or entirely ignoring him anymore. In fact, Arthit had caught his father several times shooting his boyfriend fascinated glances when he thought no one was looking. Meanwhile, Kongphop started to address Phet as Uncle out of the sudden and seemed to be more relaxed around the older Rojnapat.

Arthit frowned. It wasn't that he didn't want his father and boyfriend to get along, but he was dying from curiosity over what Kongphop had told his father to make him finally seem to accept him in their lives. While his father hadn't rejected their relationship before, he hadn't entirely accepted Kongphop either. He always treated him with caution and cold attitude. But now, those two seemed to have settled their differences somehow.

"Don't frown like this!" Arthit snapped from his thoughts at the sudden cheerful voice. Looking up, he saw his boyfriend standing in front of him.

"You know that I can't resist your cute frowning face," Kongphop said as he pressed one finger between Arthit's eyebrows.

"Kongphop! Stop it!" the older man exclaimed as he shrugged his boyfriend's finger away.

Kongphop laughed as he joined his lover on the swing.

"So, we already had dinner," Arthit said casually after a few minutes of complete silence. "What do you have to tell me?"

Kongphop smiled slightly before he draped his left arm over Arthit's shoulder. "I love you," he whispered in a husky voice.

"Kongphop, I'm serious!" Arthit said, trying to shrug the arm from his shoulder but Kongphop tightened his grip, refusing to let go.

"And I'm serious too," the younger man said. "And that's why I have decided to leave my father's company."

Arthit stopped resisting, stunned from Kongphop's statement. He stared at his boyfriend in evident disbelief and shock.

"What?" he asked.

Kongphop sighed as he took his arm off Arthit's shoulder, looking ahead of him.

"I have thought hard and long about this situation we are in," he said. "and found that the best way if I want us to remain together is to leave my family's business. I've asked my father to give me my inheritance beforehand and cut me from his will so that I can start my independent business away from my family."—he looked at his stunned boyfriend and smiled— "That way no one would have the upper hand over me and try to pry us apart."

Arthit stared at Kongphop with an unreadable expression, unsure of what he should be feeling at this moment when his boyfriend was telling him that he had cut himself from his family with an indifferent tone as if he was speaking about the weather.

How could things have reached this stage?

Was it indispensable for Kongphop to make such a sacrifice?

Would a day come when his boyfriend regretted such a decision?

And what he, Arthit, was supposed to do in front of such a sacrifice?

Would a day come when Kongphop would hate him for demanding such price in exchange for a life with him?

And what would Kongphop's family think?

[You broke up our family!]

Mrs Suthiluck's voice rang in his mind as if it was taunting him. Though he had denied it at that time, he now believed the truth in her words.

"P'Arthit, it's not your fault," Kongphop spoke as he correctly guessed the thoughts that were whirling inside his lover's mind. It was rather easy to spot the guilty look in his lover's beautiful doe eyes to know that the older man was feeling responsible for Kongphop's decision. His P' had always been swift and more inclined to blame himself rather than others. It was true that his lover was the reason behind his decision, but Kongphop would not allow this to stand in the way of their happiness. He would have remained in his father's company if his mother hadn't tried to destroy the life of his beloved. But since that his mother and probably other members of his family could be a threat to the man he loved, Kongphop would do anything to protect him and their love.

"Wouldn't you regret leaving your family for me one day?" Arthit asked softly as he locked his eyes with Kongphop's.

"I haven't left my family, P'," the younger man replied. "I merely got my financial independence of them. My father hadn't disowned me."

"But surely your father has planned for you to inherit his company. Wouldn't your family feel that you've abandoned them just as you've forsaken your role as his heir?" Arthit asked, trying to reason with his lover. "Surely, your parents and sisters will feel that I have broken up your family and encouraged you to disobey them. And maybe with time, you will regret it and eventually hate me."

Kongphop gently cupped Arthit's cheek with his left hand. "I won't ever hate you," he whispered. "Because hating you would mean hating myself. As for my family, they will eventually accept this new situation. No one can accuse you of breaking up the family. My dad understands the motives behind this decision and supports me. As for the company, he can easily hand it over to my eldest sister or her husband."—Kongphop let out a sigh— "P', this is my choice. No one forced me to go through with it."

Arthit looked guiltily at the younger man before he averted his gaze. He was still not convinced that what Kongphop had done was right. He was much concerned about Mr Suthiluck's feelings about the matter.

"What are you planning to do now?" he asked eventually.

"I have some ideas about the new business I'm going to establish," Kongphop replied. "I've asked Em to gather the rest of the group this weekend to discuss my ideas."

"Where are you going to meet?"

"I suggested we meet at FIN JUNG," Kongphop replied.

Arthit looked at the other man with bright eyes upon hearing the name of his friend's bar. "I want to go too!" he exclaimed.

"You can't, P'," Kongphop said. "First, you can't drink, and secondly, it's a crowded place where people are smoking and drinking. It's completely unsafe for your health."

Arthit pouted. "But I want to see my friends too!" he whined.

Kongphop shook his head in refusal. "No!" he said firmly. It was hard to stand his ground when his lover was cutely pouting his red lips, and his doe eyes widened, but somehow, he made it.

"Fine," Arthit said sulkily. "Hey, how about you invite your friends over here and I invite mine? We can have Thai Barbecue Hot Pot party!"

"That's a good idea, but do you think your father will agree?" Kongphop asked. "I fear he would be upset with many youngsters around."

Arthit gave his lover an annoyed look, scoffing. "You two seemed to be in good terms today," he said. "I don't think he would mind if you asked him!"

Kongphop laughed. "Are you jealous of him or me?" he asked teasingly.

"Oi! Who said I'm jealous?!" Arthit exclaimed defensively. "I'm definitely not."

"If you say so, P'," Kongphop said with an amused chuckle as he draped his arm again over his lover's shoulder. "If your father approves, I'll inform Em to invite my friends and yours to come over this weekend."

Arthit smiled happily at his boyfriend before he pecked his lips out of a sudden.

"Good night," he whispered shyly before he stood up and rushed to the house, followed by Kongphop.

}{ }{ }{ }{ }{

Kongphop's phone rang early in the morning, waking up him and his boyfriend from their sleep. Groaning, the younger man reached out his hand to see who was calling them at this hour. He frowned deeply when he saw the name of his eldest sister flashing on the phone's screen.

"Good Morning, P'," Kongphop answered the phone.

"... ... ..."

"What happened?"

"... ... ..."

"I see. Where is Dad now?"

"... ... ..."

"Alright, P'," Kongphop said. "I'll contact Dad and see what happened."

"... ... ..."

"I don't know. It depends on what Dad says," Kongphop replied.

"... ... ..."

"Yes, I'll surely come to the villa," he said. "See you there. Bye." With that, he hung on the phone.

"What's wrong, Kongphop?" Arthit asked sleepily, noticing the grim expression Kongphop wore. "What happened?"

The young man let out a deep sigh before he looked at his lover.

"The police had arrested my mother this morning in preparation for her trial."

}{ }{ }{ }{ }{

To Be Continued...

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Only two chapters to go! WOW! 😮😮😮

I didn't think I'd make it this far!! All thanks to you, my dear readers ^^ 🥰🥰

I hope you liked this chapter!

Bye for now.

Always stay safe 😘😘